Foreign workers throng downtown KL

Most parts of the city were "flooded" with foreigners, especially foreign workers and tourists on the second day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, although most city folks are celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri in their respective hometowns with their loved ones.

A visit by Bernama to popular tourist spots in the city, namely Jalan Chow Kit, Pasar Seni, KL Sentral, Masjid Jamek, Petaling Street and Jalan Silang, showed that most of them were in festive or rather carnival mood, ushering the celebration in their own way.

The Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations and public transport hubs were also packed with foreigners, especially foreign workers from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar and India.

An Indonesian who only wanted to be known as Yudi, 38, said he was used to celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri away from his loved ones, friends and relatives.

"My wife and children are in Gerisik, Indonesia. These days it is difficult to go back often due to the rigid documentation process. We need to go through various processes and the cost involved is high. I simply cannot afford because I am just a construction worker and don't earn much," he said.

KL Sentral is a popular hangout

Yudi said he had requested for three days leave from his employer to celebrate the auspicious day with friends and by visiting several interesting places in the city.

"I will also be going to Ipoh to celebrate the festival with my friends who are also from the same village in Indonesia. During my stay in Ipoh, I will be looking for a better employment opportunity since my contract with the current employer ends soon," said Yudi who has been a construction worker in Malaysia for the past 10 years.

Another foreign worker from Bangladesh who only wanted to be known as Tarek said he took the opportunity of the long holidays in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri to visit his friends in Kuala Lumpur.

"It has become a norm for me to come to Kuala Lumpur every year during the Hari Raya holidays to meet my friends. For us (friends) it is difficult to spend time together because not all of us can get leave at the same time," he said.

Many foreign workers from Muslim countries who were not able to celebrate Hari Raya with their loved ones back home were seen at the KL Sentral, wearing their own traditional outfits to usher in the celebrations.

For security guard Md Masir, 34, from Bangladesh, it was a good opportunity go shopping with friends.

"I have been working in Malaysia for five years but I do not have enough money to go and celebrate Hari Raya with my family in Bangladesh. It is sad but fortunately I have friends here," said the father of three.

- Bernama